In the summer of 1975, the John Travolta Devil’s Rain cult movie emerged as a striking addition to America’s wave of occult horror. Released on August 7 and directed by Robert Fuest, the film brought together a mix of established actors and soon-to-be stars, capitalizing on the rising popularity of supernatural thrillers sweeping drive-ins and grindhouses across the country.
The fascination with the occult had captivated audiences long before The Devil’s Rain. Previous films like Rosemary’s Baby in 1968, The Dunwich Horror in 1970, and The Mephisto Waltz in 1971 showcased Hollywood’s ongoing exploration of mystical and satanic themes. This era reflected a cultural climate still shaken by the impact of the Vietnam War, as well as the growing public intrigue surrounding Anton LaVey’s modern version of Satanism.
How The Devil’s Rain Was Made
Seeking a sense of authenticity, director Robert Fuest involved LaVey himself as the film’s technical advisor and even included him as a background actor. LaVey’s commanding presence and expertise in theatrical Satanism helped shape the film’s dark atmosphere. In a plot that centers on the Preston family, including characters played by William Shatner, Tom Skerritt, Ida Lupino, and Joan Prather, the family struggles to free themselves from the sinister control of high priest Corbis, portrayed by Ernest Borgnine.
Among the supporting cast was a young John Travolta, taking on the role of a cultist during what would be his first film appearance. Just a month later, Travolta would find widespread fame starring as Vinnie Barbarino on Welcome Back, Kotter. His involvement with The Devil’s Rain also marked a pivotal moment in his personal life, as he was introduced to Scientology through costar Joan Prather, which had a profound effect on him:
I wasn’t well and she gave me what’s called ‘an assist’,
—John Travolta
I got well very quickly after that, but when I say quickly, I mean 30 minutes later.
—John Travolta
The Film’s Striking Visuals and Unforgettable Effects
Although the movie features flashbacks to colonial New England to shed light on the family’s curse, it is best remembered for its dramatic practical effects and makeup artistry. Ernest Borgnine’s transformation into a horned, goat-bearded villain stands out as one of the film’s most grotesque visual achievements. The climactic scenes are particularly memorable, showcasing torrents of melting, waxy faces and a feast of surreal imagery that became a hallmark of 1970s horror.
Fans of the genre will note another intriguing connection: The white-faced mask worn by the killer in John Carpenter’s Halloween was famously a modified William Shatner mask. In The Devil’s Rain, the cultists display unnerving, hollow eye effects that suggest supernatural possession, and Shatner’s unsettling performance—including the trademark head tilt—cements an eerie precedent that horror fans cherish.
The Devil’s Rain’s Cult Status and Unique Backstory
Despite a lackluster box-office return during its original theatrical run, The Devil’s Rain achieved new recognition years later as a cult phenomenon, thriving on home video and attracting fresh generations of horror aficionados. The film’s distribution carries its own sensational story: It was released by Bryanston Pictures, a company tied to the notorious Colombo crime family of New York. Alongside The Devil’s Rain, Bryanston Pictures handled other notable films, such as Tobe Hooper’s Texas Chain Saw Massacre and the adult film Deep Throat, contributing to the company’s storied reputation.
Featuring themes of sex, sin, and Satanic ritual, the film’s legacy is cemented in both Hollywood myth and crime lore, making it one of the most peculiar horror productions of the era.
Lasting Impact of a Forgotten Summer Release
John Travolta’s early appearance in The Devil’s Rain stands as a testament to his varied career, preceding his iconic roles in Grease and Carrie. The film’s bold approach to the supernatural, its unforgettable visuals, and its notorious production history continue to captivate horror enthusiasts and pop culture historians. As new viewers return to the drive-in classics of the 1970s, The Devil’s Rain remains a fascinating chapter in the evolution of occult cinema and a milestone in Travolta’s rise to stardom.
